Drinking alcohol may have different effects on some people, including having a reddish face. Such effect known as Alcohol Flush Reaction affects about 500 million people worldwide.

Alcohol Flush Reaction is an effect of alcohol intake characterized by having a reddish face. This is primarily caused by the body's way of metabolizing alcohol. This type of condition is caused mainly by a genetic mutation. Individuals with AFS have a mutation that makes their body unable to produce aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), according to Seeker.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 is mainly a type of enzyme that aids in metabolizing alcohol in the liver. Instead of breaking down alcohol into acetic acid as it should normally do, the enzyme would instead build up in excessive amounts. Hence, causing the flushed skin. However, beyond metabolic issues, such bodily reaction could result in other severe health concerns.

According to studies, men whose cheeks turns red after drinking have a higher risk of having high blood pressure. If not monitored or remedied ahead of time, HBP could lead to strokes, heart disease, and various health ailments from hypertension, according to Men's Health.

Moreover, AFS among people could mean a higher risk of having cancer. The most common type of cancer that individuals having such condition may have is esophageal cancer, which is considered as one of the worst cancer there is.

Since it is quite difficult to spot the difference between simple alcohol allergy and Alcohol Flush Reaction, it is good to note the red face would typically be accompanied by nausea and heart palpitation. That being said, regardless of the reason behind having a reddish after alcohol intake, it would still be best to consult an expert about it.

Take note that prevention would always be better than cure. Avoiding alcohol and knowing the reason behind such occurrence will surely make a huge difference between life and death.

Watch here below discussion about Alcohol Flush Reaction & having a red face: